Image credit: First Solar

US-based First Solar has announced the acquisition of Evolar AB, a European perovskite technology developer.

First Solar intends on integrating its R&D streams and expertise with Evolar’s experience to develop and commercially scale thin film photovoltaics.

The acquisition aims to accelerate the development of next generation PV technology, including high efficiency tandem devices.

Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar commented on the acquisition: “We anticipate that high efficiency tandem PV modules will define the future, speeding up decarbonisation by allowing us to convert sunlight into clean electricity more efficiently.

“This acquisition supplements our existing R&D streams with expertise in thin film semiconductors that complement CadTel. We expect that it will accelerate our efforts to develop tandem technology that continues our commitment to ultra-low carbon, responsibly produced solar.”

Research will continue at Evolar’s laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden, marking First Solar’s first Europe-based R&D facility. Thirty of Evolar’s R&D staff will move to First Solar’s research technology centre in Santa Clara, California, and the development teams in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Evolar was founded in 2019 and focuses on developing solutions to commercialise tandem solar technology utilizing perovskite thin films.

Markus Gloeckler, chief technology officer, First Solar added, “The future of PV clearly lies in thin film semiconductors…We are thrilled about the opportunity that lies ahead and look forward to welcoming the Evolar team to First Solar.”

The news follows the announcement in October 2022 that First Solar will be building a new $370 million R&D innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio. Scheduled to be completed in 2024, the new R&D center will feature a high-tech pilot manufacturing line allowing for the production of thin film and tandem PV modules.

Widmar added, “In addition to significantly expanding our capacity for advanced research, we are pleased to extend our R&D footprint to Europe. By connecting our advanced research lab in California with Europe and building the Western Hemisphere’s largest PV R&D innovation center in Ohio, we are effectively establishing and leading a uniquely transatlantic effort to develop and commercialize the next generation of photovoltaics.”